Whoo! I’m back from Chicago, where I spent one whirlwind day at the International Housewares Show, and man, I saw a lot of stuff. Thousands of exhibitors, sprawled across three halls, showing off the latest and greatest for your home. Stuff for entertaining. Stuff for organizing. One hall was dedicated entirely to things with plugs and buttons, so you know where I hung out most of the day. And while some of the electronics were “smart” (connected or automated in some way), there were plenty of things without plugs that were just as “smart” (cleverly designed with the homeowner in mind).
I was invited to attend the show because I’m going to be writing for the IHA blog, The Inspired Home, which I’m really excited about. There’s so much developing in the world of small appliances— ones that connect to the internet, ones that connect to each other— that it’s an exciting space to explore. I can’t wait to start creating content for them, and to bring you great stories from the world of housewares. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite finds— both high and low tech— from the International Housewares Show. Have a look and let me know what you’re excited about!
High Tech
Keurig Kold
More than a carbonator, the Keurig Kold chills your water, carbonates it, and adds flavors, so it’s as easy to make a single 8 oz. serving of your favorite soda as it is to brew a cup of coffee. Use it to make everything from a flavored water to a Sprite to a cocktail mix.
Nespresso Prodigio
Speaking of Coffee, Nespresso levels up with a connected maker. The Prodigio will keep track of your pods and send you an alert when it’s time to order more, and let you start a cup brewing from anywhere, using Nespresso’s app.
Bruno Smart Can
In the words of SNL’s Stefan, the Bruno Smart Can has everything: A touch-free lid that you open with a wave of your hand, and a vacuum that sucks dirt into the bag inside. You can use regular kitchen bags, but if you use Bruno’s, you’ll be able to order more. It even reminds you to take out the trash on garbage day.
Mill Heaters
Tight to the wall and fashioned out of milk glass, Mill’s space heaters are a serious upgrade from a portable radiator or other hot messes (see what I did there?). Love this in a minimalist environment but could see it blending in pretty much anywhere.
OXO On Digital Mixers
Oxo’s thoughtful design now extends to small appliances. The hand mixer has a light for you to mix by (because most kitchen outlets are under cabinets, where it’s dark), and the immersion blender has a silicone bottom and shaft, so you can move it around and tap it off without scratching or denting your pot.
Breo Eye Massager
iSee4 Eye Massager adopts intelligent air pressure, vibration, point massage and hot compress massaging technology. Controlled by a micro-computer chip, this wireless digital eye massager rubs, presses, hot compresses, and massages the ocular region to relieve tired eyes. It comes with a built-in music player with pre-recorded nature sounds to further relax you.
Low Tech
Brabantia Flat Back+
Um, finally. A garbage can that sits flush against your wall and doesn’t scuff it when you open the lid. Plus it doesn’t close with a thunk and stays open without you having to hold down the pedal.
Flint
These just stole my heart: Retractable lint rollers in fun colors, that don’t rely on a piece of paper to keep the sticky roll from attaching itself to everything in my laundry room.
Joseph Joseph Dial
Now you won’t have to guess when those leftovers hit the fridge: Set the month and day on the lid of this storage container, and you’ll know when to feast and when to toss.
Dimple self-chilling glassware
What if the ice wasn’t in your glass, but it was IN your glass? Confused? Dimple’s glasses have chillable inserts that chill your drink from the bottom without diluting it. Simply freeze and insert via a magnet that doubles as a silicone coaster. Things will stay nice and cool for 30 minutes. Cheers.
Thank you to the International Housewares Show for inviting me to Chicago! Stay tuned for more posts about all-things-house!
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